Vagabond captivated us with its heartbreaking plot and magnificent artwork by Takehiko Inoue. Shinmen Takezo’s journey from rage to peace, from rage to peace, brilliantly unfolded in front of our eyes.
While Vagabond has been on hiatus for years with no news of its return, we’ve compiled a list of manga that are similar to Vagabond for you to enjoy while you wait. Let’s get started with the best manga like Vagabond.
Best Manga like Vagabond!
10) Lone Wolf and Cub
It is set in feudal Japan and revolves around Ogami Itto, the Shogun’s elite executioner who was framed by the ruthless Yagyu clan to gain the position. With his wife murdered and his name tainted, Itto travels from place to place as an assassin for hire—”Lone Wolf and Cub”—seeking vengeance against the Yagyu clan.
Lone Wolf Cub, like Vagabond, focuses on a skilled Samurai who is unemployed after the wars, burns with rage, and now wanders the land as a mercenary. Both stories have a dark atmosphere, and the art is fantastic.
9) Blade of the Immortal
This is Manji’s story, an immortal swordsman. To avenge his sister, who was mercilessly slaughtered, he vowed to kill a thousand villains. Rin, a young girl who reminds him of his sister, joins him on this journey. She has vowed to avenge her parents’ deaths at the hands of Itto-ryu, a group of elite swordsmen.
Although immortality can help him survive, it is insufficient for vengeance. He will be put to the test in every way possible. Will he come out on top?
There are many similarities between Blade of the Immortal and Vagabond: similar visual style, lots of martial arts action. Both have mature themes and are centred on samurais.
They show, in a complicated way, a person’s mental state after walking the bloody path of the sword.
8) The Climber
Mori Buntaro was persuaded to climb the school building by a classmate after transferring to his new school. Despite knowing that one wrong step would spell disaster, he continued to climb until he reached the summit and felt a sense of accomplishment. He was alive.
He has since developed an interest in rock climbing. The plot may appear simple, but it depicts the pain and struggles Mori must endure in order to literally reach the top of the world.
There is no denying that the art in both mangas is of exceptional quality. While they take place in two different eras, they demonstrate how difficult it can be to survive in this cruel world on one’s own.
In addition, both are based on historical figures: Miyamoto Musashi for the Vagabond and Buntaro Kato for The Climber.
7) Shaman Warrior
Master Wizard Yarong and his faithful servant Batu emerge from the desert wastelands as two mysterious warriors. Their lives will be altered as a result of the political movements that will soon engulf them.
When Yarong is killed, Batu must leave his side to keep his promise to him and protect his child. Those who find Yarong learn another secret—the hidden power of a Shaman Warrior!
Both have plotlines that keep you guessing at every turn. Shaman Warrior depicts many samurai-like weapons and has fantastic art.
6) Historie
Set in Ancient Greece, Historie follows Eumenes’ life and childhood as he grows up to become Alexander the Great’s secretary and general. It tells us about Eumene’s turbulent life and his travels, which led to him befriending many influential figures of the time. He fought for his position with fierce talent, intellect, and confidence. This is his tale.
Both stories feature men who are destined for greatness. With the passage of time, both protagonists mature into men who will be remembered as legends. The journeys are equally amazing.
5) Rurouni Kenshin
This is the story of Battosai Himura, a revolutionary patriot fighting to conceal his bloody past during the Meiji era. His contribution to the revolution earned him the title ‘Hitokiri’ (Manslayer). He changed his name back to Kenshin, reversed the blade on his sword, and vowed never to take another life.
He restarts his life as a Rurouni (wandering samurai). Kaaru Kamiya, the vivacious girl who runs the neighbourhood dojo, accepts him for who he is, not who he was. Kenshin’s battle with his past never seems to be over. How will he protect those he loves without violating his oath?
The protagonists of both stories experience bloodshed and loneliness. Both of their lives begin with a sword, and they begin killing at a young age. They go on a solo journey to repent for their sins after becoming famous swordsmen.
4) Shinobi no Kuni
Warlord Nobunaga Oda defeated his opponents on his way to unifying Japan, but he was afraid of one region: the Iga Province, which was home to the Iga ninja. Mumon, Iga’s strongest ninja, was a deadly assassin with unrivalled battle strength, but he was lazy and only wanted to please his wife, Okuni.
Mumon killed a ninja from another family, unaware that his actions would spark a deadly battle between Nobunaga’s army and the ninja of Iga Province.
Both Vagabond and Shinobi no Kuni have a more subdued sense of humour mixed with unrelenting violence. Both stories, once again, revolve around samurai themes and have brilliant pacing.
3) Claymore
Yoma are monsters that consume human innards in order to absorb their victims’ essence and become them. Humans are just cattle in front of them, waiting to be slaughtered. To combat yoma, The Organization, a group led by a council of mysterious men, dispatches all-female warriors known as claymores to deal with them as they extort the towns. Clare, the lowest-ranking claymore, is determined to avenge her mentor.
Both manga’s protagonists must overcome insurmountable obstacles to achieve their goal. The fantasy setting of Claymore is similar to the feudal setting of Vagabond. The progression path, which was present in Vagabond from the start, appears later in the claymore. Both feature a great deal of sword fighting, violence, and gore.
2) Vinland Saga
Thors was killed ten years ago in a fight with Askeladd, a vicious and powerful Viking. Thorfinn, Thor’s son, is motivated by vengeance and has vowed to fight honourably to exact his father’s revenge.
He is taken aboard Askeladd’s ship and helps them pillage towns and deceive innocent armies. He is now working hard to improve his skills while carrying out his responsibilities in order to earn his duel with Askeladd. Will he be able to exact his revenge despite having already suffered many defeats?
The stories of men filled with rage and hatred who embark on a path of violence in order to find inner peace. The themes of both stories are similar: the transformation of a boy into a man who triumphs over hell.
1) Berserk
Guts has spent his adult life trying to gain strength after having the worst childhood and being on the verge of death. Band of the Hawk’s stunning, aspirational, and motivating mercenary leader meets Guts, who lives a simple life.
Guts joins the Band of the Hawk after losing to Griffith and finds a home there. Nobody could have predicted the results of the brutal conflicts and shady political manoeuvring, however. A straightforward march to victory becomes a battle for humanity and life. Can he fight the darkness and protect everyone who has come to mean so much to him?
Despite taking place in completely different settings, the stories in both mangas share many similarities. The protagonists begin killing at a young age because they travel alone and are fueled by intense hatred and rage. Any sense of belonging they have ever felt has been a mirage. Both have dark themes and fantastic artwork.
Final Thoughts!
There you have it- the top ten manga like Vagabond you must read. Most of these manga feature a villainous main character, such as Miyamoto Musashi.
So, if you’re looking for manga similar to Vagabond, this list will come in handy. Do you have any other manga that you believe should be included on this list? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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